Creative Kindergarten

In episode 172 of the Creative Kindergarten Podcast, I reflect on the decline in excitement around new picture books for educators! What do you think? I really want to hear from other educators! >...

In episode 171 of the Creative Kindergarten Podcast, I am so excited to talk about the announcement to update the Ontario Kindergarten Program! > Listen to the announcement here: https://www.yout...

In episode 170 of the Creative Kindergarten Podcast, I discuss developmental milestone checklists, and how educators can use them to support families and caregivers.  > Looksee checklists: https:...

In episode 169 of the Creative Kindergarten Podcast, I give you my best strategies for making it through the winter months and snowsuits! How can you feel less stressed and help your students be suc...

In episode 168 of the Creative Kindergarten Podcast, I engage in a moment of self-reflective practice and give my views on celebrating holidays this winter season! I discuss centering Christmas, Elf o...

In episode 167 of the Creative Kindergarten Podcast, I answer the questions I get asked most by kindergarten educators. Let’s talk free-choice centers, transitions, and vocabulary instruction! > ...

In episode 166 of the Creative Kindergarten Podcast, I discuss the different lessons I incorporate into my high-frequency word instruction. From decoding practice to teaching various spelling rules ...

In episode 165 of the Creative Kindergarten Podcast, I go over the vocabulary surrounding the high-frequency words that we teach our students. What do all these words mean and how do we teach our st...

In episode 164 of the Creative Kindergarten Podcast, I discuss explicitly teaching foundational skills in a play-based learning program with Kate Winn. We cover phonics, phonemic awareness, vocabula...

In episode 163 of the Creative Kindergarten Podcast, I share an energizing conversation with Maxine about outdoor learning and creating a sense of place for students. We discuss the how of teaching ...

In episode 162 of the Creative Kindergarten Podcast, I chat with Jamie about how to find different roles in education that you can take on outside of the classroom. We share tips and advice about th...

In episode 161 of the Creative Kindergarten Podcast, I talk with Veronica about different neuromyths that are popular in the education world. We discuss learning styles, dyslexia, how much of our br...

In episode 160 of the Creative Kindergarten Podcast, I talk with Krista about using visuals in the classroom to support students. We go through the what, where, how and who of using visuals so that ...

In episode 11 of Creative Kindergarten’s Book Club, I reflect on the learning that I have done throughout the book, and how it has changed and enhanced the literacy program in my classroom. I share ...

In episode 159 of the Creative Kindergarten Podcast, I answer all of your questions about setting up and using a sound wall in your kindergarten classroom. I go over the why, when, how and what of s...

In episode 10 of Creative Kindergarten’s Book Club, we read and reflect on chapter 10 of Literacy Foundations for English Learners. I think back to all the elements that we have been learning about,...

In episode 158 of the Creative Kindergarten Podcast, I go over my September morning routine. The activities and songs I do, the routines I teach and everything else that goes into planning my mornin...

In episode 157 of the Creative Kindergarten Podcast, I talk about the different ways that I find ideas when I am planning activities and centers for my students. Coming up with new learning experien...

In episode 9 of Creative Kindergarten’s Book Club, we read and reflect on chapter 9 of Literacy Foundations for English Learners. I discuss the difference in teaching spelling patterns and spelling ...

In episode 156 of the Creative Kindergarten Podcast, I look at the Ontario Grade 1 Language curriculum through the lens of kindergarten. What does it change about our program? What does it mean for ...

In episode 8 of Creative Kindergarten’s Book Club, we read and reflect on chapter 8 of Literacy Foundations for English Learners. Since our kindergarten students are still learning how to read, mode...

In episode 155 of the Creative Kindergarten Podcast, I dive deep into the Ontario Kindergarten Program literacy frame to discuss the changes that need to be made. I reflect on which steps you can tak...

In episode 7 of Creative Kindergarten’s Book Club, we read and reflect on chapter 7 of Literacy Foundations for English Learners. Vocabulary has been one of my main focuses for literacy instruction ...

In episode 154 of the Creative Kindergarten Podcast, I go through my Professional Portfolio and update it with you. This document highlights my strengths as an educator and is a useful tool in my pr...

In episode 153 of the Creative Kindergarten Podcast, I talk about the professional development that I have done this past year and what I am looking forward to accomplishing this upcoming year. >...

In episode 6 of Creative Kindergarten’s Book Club, we read and reflect on chapter 6 of Literacy Foundations for English Learners. I haven’t put much thought into building fluency with my kindergarte...

In episode 152 of the Creative Kindergarten Podcast, I am preparing for my summer break by organizing and reflecting. I want to set myself up for success and recharge over the next two months, so I ...

In episode 5 of Creative Kindergarten’s Book Club, we read and reflect on chapter 5 of Literacy Foundations for English Learners. I am so excited to be talking about phonics! Ensuring that my instru...

In episode 4 of Creative Kindergarten’s Book Club, we read and reflect on chapter 4 of Literacy Foundations for English Learners. I reflect on my growing understanding of phonological awareness skil...

In episode 151 of the Creative Kindergarten Podcast, I talk about how I clean up the classroom for the end of the school year! It’s almost time for summer break, and I am ready to pack up for summer...

In episode 3 of Creative Kindergarten’s Book Club, we read and reflect on chapter 3 of Literacy Foundations for English Learners. Literacy instruction has been a huge focus for my own professional l...

In episode 2 of Creative Kindergarten’s Book Club, we read and reflect on chapter 2 of Literacy Foundations for English Learners.  There are many components to learning to speak, read and write in E...

In episode 150 of the Creative Kindergarten Podcast, I look back on this school year and reflect on how my programming has grown and changed. A core part of my practice is ensuring that I am constan...

Welcome to Creative Kindergarten’s first episode of Book Club! I am so excited to embark on this amazing professional development with you and read an amazing book that will further my understanding...

In episode 149 of the Creative Kindergarten Podcast, I go over some of the fun things that I like to do at the end of the school year to keep students engaged and learning! This can be a hard time o...

In episode 148 of the Creative Kindergarten Podcast, I give my tips and strategies for making it to the end of the school year with your mental health intact. This can be a challenging time for educ...

In episode 147 of the Creative Kindergarten Podcast, I go over what I have done in the past for my Alphabet Countdown to the end of the school year. Make each day exciting and easy to plan by review...

In episode 146 of the Creative Kindergarten Podcast, I go through the information that I leave for a supply educator in my handbook. What I think is important, tips I’ve picked up from supplying and...

In episode 145 of the Creative Kindergarten Podcast, I talk about the need to know basic first-aid, and how to calm a student down when they are hurt. I often call myself a ‘part-time nurse’ with al...

In episode 144 of the Creative Kindergarten Podcast, I reflect on all the important fine motor work I have done with my students to ensure that they are developing the necessary skills. Fine motor s...

In episode 143 of the Creative Kindergarten Podcast, I celebrate the arrival of spring! I love this time of the year with my students when we are able to get outside and enjoy the warmer weather (wi...

In episode 142 of the Creative Kindergarten Podcast, I share my thoughts around teaching during Earth Hour, Month and Day. How can we ensure that our students are engaged in authentic learning and t...

In episode 141 of the Creative Kindergarten Podcast, I reflect on my own practice when teaching problem-solving skills to my students. How can we explicitly teach the strategies needed for our student...

In episode 140 of the Creative Kindergarten Podcast, I discuss Pink Shirt Day and the implications it has for our practice all year. How can we teach our students to be upstanders and stand up to soci...

In episode 139 of the Creative Kindergarten Podcast, I talk with Annabelle about how we can work to build effective and healthy partnerships with our teaching team members. > Find Annabelle. on Ins...

In episode 138 of the Creative Kindergarten Podcast, I talk with Sophia about introducing art materials and techniques with Sophia from Creative Kids Co. We dive into some tips and tricks on how to ge...

In episode 137 of the Creative Kindergarten Podcast, I discuss self-regulation skills with Avery and Alannah. We talk through strategies that we use and the learning that we’ve done around teaching ou...

first step to creating a successful outdoor program. Lauren gives us the tools and the confidence to bring the learning outside! > Find Lauren on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mentoringnatur...

In episode 135 of the Creative Kindergarten Podcast, I have an amazing discussion with Marissa from Mme Marissa about Story Workshops. We talk through how she uses them (along with her whole school), ...

In episode 134 of the Creative Kindergarten Podcast, I discuss decodable texts! I go over how I use them in the classroom and where I have found decodable texts that I use. They have been an amazing t...